GCCL Bucs use big 4th inning to win 11-6 game against PFA Braves

GCCL Bucs RHP Justin Pauly pitches against the PFA Braves at LA Valley College July 29, 2022. Photo by Maddy Whiting

The GCCL Bucs offense came to life and put up 11 runs to secure an 11-6 victory over the PFA Braves Friday afternoon at Los Angeles Valley College.

After falling behind 2-0 in the 1st, catcher Michael Choi hit an RBI single to score first baseman Eddie Tejeda and shortstop Jaden Rez scored center fielder Troy Leef on a fielder’s choice to tie the game at 2-2.

In the 3rd inning, extra hitter Noah Nichols scored off of a Tejeda RBI and Tejeda scored on a Rez sac fly to give the Bucs a 4-2 lead.

The fourth inning was a big one for the Bucs, starting off with a fielder’s choice by left fielder Jirah Smart to score Right fielder Max Garcia. Then, Rowan Teran absolutely crushed a 2 run home run to bring the Bucs lead up to 7-3.

“I was looking to see if he’s gonna throw the same mistake, and it ended up being the same exact pitch,” Teran said. “I got a lot of play on it and just tried to have a good swing like I did all summer.”

The next five Batters for the Bucs would walk, plating three more runs in the process and bringing the Bucs advantage to 10-3. After a 3 spot in the 5th by the Braves cut the lead to 10-6, the Bucs added an insurance run courtesy of a Rowan Teran RBI double.

The Bucs held on for an 11-6 win with reliever Logan Tourville recording the final 6 outs. Starting RHP Vincent Bravo pitched 4 innings, struck out 4 batters and earned the win.

“The moment Vincent understood the defense was pretty solid behind him, he just started feeding it to them,” Coach Bobby said. “And I think that’s what turned the tide, especially early on.”

The Bucs will take on the Braves twice tomorrow in a doubleheader with game 1 starting at 11am and game 2 starting at 2pm at LAVC.